Enhanced identification appliance

ABSTRACT

An enhanced identification appliance, such as a wristband, bracelet, patch, headband, neckband, ankleband, legband, card, sticker, or other wearable appliance, may have a biometric, chemical, optical, heat, pressure, humidity, electromagnetic, and/or acoustic sensor, various opto-electronics and/or various security features such as tamper-evident and tamper-resistant features. The sensors may obtain wearer-related information such as a fingerprint, retina, iris, blood, DNA, genetic data, voice pattern, temperature and other characteristic. Security features include a fastener on the identification appliance, which indicates whether the appliance has been attached to a wearer and if so, enables circuit functions. If one tampers with the appliance, circuit functions may be disabled, certain data erased, and/or evidence of tampering made apparent. The appliance may monitor the location or determine the identity of vehicle passengers for an airplane, train, boat, bus, etc. Alternatively, the identification band may contain a person&#39;s immigration status.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The field of the invention relates generally to identificationappliances such as wristbands, and in particular to an identificationappliance with a biometric sensor, chemical sensor, optical sensor, heatsensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, electromagnetic sensor,acoustic sensor, various opto-electronics and/or various securityfeatures such as tamper-evident and tamper-resistant features.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

This disclosure contemplates an improved identification wristband,bracelet, patch, headband, necklace, card, sticker, or other wearableappliance, which for the sake of convenience, are collectively referredto as a “band” or as a “identification appliance”. Identification bandshave become a convenient and effective way of identifying people withoutpermanently marking them. A principle advantage of a band is that it isultimately removable. Identification bands typically consist of aflexible wrist strap having a length greater than its width, and aclosure or securement device for attaching and maintaining the bandsecurely around the wearer's wrist. A portion of the band may be usedfor imprinting or otherwise attaching identification or otherinformation regarding the wearer. Bar codes, radio frequencyidentification (RFID) devices and the like may also be used to store andtransfer information associated with the band and the associated personor object. For example, RFID devices includes those which operate in thefrequency in the range 30 kilohertz (kHz) to 300 Gigahertz (GHz).Various band constructions, attachments and other features including thestorage of electronic data and RFID functions are described, forexample, in Penuela U.S. Pat. No. 5,493,805, Mosher U.S. Pat. No.5,457,906, Mosher U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,600, Beigel U.S. Pat. No.5,973,598, Beigel U.S. Pat. No. 6,181,287, Peterson U.S. Pat. No.5,479,797, and Peterson U.S. Pat. No. 5,581,924.

Bands are advantageous over other forms of ID cards containing data(such as credit cards, tickets or the like) since they can be attachedto the wearer physically securely. As a result, current uses ofidentification bands include patient identification in hospitals,clinics and other locations; access in amusement parks; temporarysecurity measures, facility access control, and ticketing andentitlement functions. While identification bands have been used forthese purposes, additional applications for identification bands and thelike are needed.

One important use for identification bands is patient identification andlocation in hospitals, clinics and other locations. When used inconjunction with an appropriate reader, patient information can becollected electronically and used by the medical staff in performance oftheir duties. Another example is to track the location of personnel suchas convicts in a prison. When identification bands are used to designatewho has authority to enter a restricted area, whether it be a concerthall or prison, the method of attachment of the identification band mustbe secure. Identification wristbands typically consist of a flexiblewrist strap and a closure device for attaching and maintaining thewristband securely around the wearer's wrist. Further, an importantaspect of identification bands, used for example in hospitals, jails, orhazardous work areas, is the security of the information contained in oron the band. In order to prevent fraud or mis-identification, it isdesirable that the band and the associated information be securely andreliably maintained both physically and operationally. Although theprior art has attempted to make an identification band more secure,there is a need for further improvements.

Identification bands provide information simply, for example, by aperson visually reading printed information on the band, scanningbarcode information, or electronically reading identificationinformation transmitted by the identification band. Thus, barcodes, RFIDdevices and the like are used to enhance the information storage anddata transfer of information associated with the band and the associatedperson or object. There is a need to improve the type of informationcontained on an identification band as well as the manner in which theinformation is maintained.

Moreover, when an identification band incorporates wirelesscommunications and data storage functions, opportunities forfalsification and fraudulent use are increased. Of concern are insuringtamper detection, tamper prevention, secure transmission of information,the integrity of the information, and the prevention of unauthorizedtransfer of the information to others. Improvements in each of theseareas are needed.

Information may be stored electronically in a transponder or RFID “tag”and that information is communicated to a tag “reader.” Communicationbetween the RFID tag and reader is by the transmission and reception ofelectromagnetic (EM) waves, and each must have an antenna to convertelectrical signals to EM waves and vice versa. RFID systems can operateover a wide range of frequencies, including the high-frequency (HF)through super-high-frequency (SHF) radio bands, roughly 3 Megahertz(MHz) to 6 Gigahertz (GHz), such as 5.88 GHz, as well as frequencies inthe vicinity of 400 MHz, 915 MHz, 2.45 GHz in the ultra-high frequency(UHF) band and 13.5 MHz. Coupling between the tag antenna and the readerantenna below about 50 MHz is primarily by the magnetic component of thereactive near field, in which the tag antenna is configured as a coil ina resonant circuit. Above 50 MHz, the transmission mechanism is theelectric field in which the tag antenna is configured as a radiatingelement.

Because identification appliances may communicate with other devices,additional features and circuits may be desirable as well.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

An identification appliance, such as a wristband, bracelet, patch,headband, neckband, ankleband, armband, belt, card, sticker, or otherwearable appliance, is enhanced with a biometric sensor, chemicalsensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor,electromagnetic sensor, acoustic sensor, optical display, variousopto-electronics and/or various security features such as tamper-evidentand tamper-resistant features, as described herein. Also described arereaders and verifiers for reading data from identification appliances,as well as applications for the identification appliance in passengerticketing, passenger baggage checking and claiming, and immigrationstatus.

Other systems, methods, features and advantages of the invention will beor will become apparent to one with skill in the art upon examination ofthe following figures and detailed description. It is intended that allsuch additional systems, methods, features and advantages be includedwithin this description, be within the scope of the invention, and beprotected by the accompanying claims.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The components in the figures are not necessarily to scale, emphasisinstead being placed upon illustrating the principles of the invention.Moreover, in the figures, like reference numerals designatecorresponding parts throughout the different views. However, like partsdo not always have like reference numerals. Moreover, all illustrationsare intended to convey concepts, where relative sizes, shapes and otherdetailed attributes may be illustrated schematically rather thanliterally or precisely.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a prior art RFID wristband or bracelet.

FIG. 2 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved secure identification band.

FIG. 3 is a representative illustration of another example embodiment ofan improved secure identification band.

FIG. 4 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved secure identification band.

FIG. 5 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved secure identification band, which contains inkthat is released by tampering.

FIG. 6 is a representative illustration of still another exampleembodiment of an improved secure identification band, which, whenattached, creates an identifying pattern in both visible and electronicforms.

FIG. 7 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification band that stores biometric information.

FIG. 8 is a representative illustration of another example embodiment ofan improved identification band, which stores biometric and alphanumericinformation.

FIG. 9 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification band, which stores biometric and alphanumericinformation and whose circuit functions are activated when the band isattached or deactivated when the band is unfastened, torn, cut, oroverly stretched.

FIG. 10 is a representative illustration of an example method of usingan improved identification band for passenger ticketing and boarding.

FIG. 11 is a representative illustration of an example method of usingan improved identification band for passenger baggage tagging andclaiming.

FIG. 12 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, whichhas printed biometric-data.

FIG. 13 is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with printed biometric data.

FIG. 14 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, witha biometric sensor.

FIG. 15 is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which has a biometric sensor and a wireless communication circuit.

FIG. 16 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, whichhas a biometric sensor, a wireless communication circuit such as a RFIDcircuit, and an electronic memory or data storage device.

FIG. 17 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with a biometric sensor and display.

FIG. 18 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withphotovoltaic cells.

FIG. 19 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withembedded circuitry and a microstrip or patch antenna.

FIG. 20 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, whichperforms signal processing and computation and has an electronic datastorage device or memory.

FIG. 21 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withone or more chemical sensors.

FIG. 22 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withan acoustic sensor.

FIG. 23 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withelectro-optical components.

FIG. 24 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with an optical sensor.

FIG. 25 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, witha flexible keypad.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are representative illustrations of an example methodof embedding silicon and/or printed circuitry, or other components, inan identification appliance such as an identification band.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are representative illustrations of an example methodof implementing printed circuitry in an identification appliance such asan identification band.

FIG. 28 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, witha flexible battery or power source.

FIG. 29 is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with a “button” style battery.

FIG. 30 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, whichis partially disposable.

FIG. 31 is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which is partially disposable.

FIG. 32 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance that is reusable.

FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C are representative illustrations of exampleembodiments of a biometric reader/verifier of identification appliances.

FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C are representative illustrations of exampleapplications of a biometric identification appliance reader/verifier.

FIG. 35 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved secure identification appliance, such as an identificationband, with electronic tamper detection.

FIG. 36 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved secure identification appliance, such as an identificationband, with electronic tamper detection using conductive ornon-conductive glue.

FIG. 37 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of anairport security system that uses an improved secure identificationappliance, such as an identification band.

FIG. 38 is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an airport security system that uses an improved secureidentification appliance, such as an identification band.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

As used in this specification, the meaning of“in,” whether alone or in acompound such as “therein,” includes “in” and “on”; “radio frequencyidentification” and “RFID” refer to identification by radio frequencycommunication.

FIG. 1 illustrates an example of a prior art RFID wristband or bracelet1. The substrate 2 is an elongated flexible strip or laminate of polymeror paper. The RFID circuit 3 comprises antenna circuitry, signalgenerator circuitry, programmable encoder circuitry and interconnectioncircuitry. A fastener to adjustably and securely attach the wristband 1comprises, on one end of the substrate 2, a snap fastener with parts 4and 8, which can close over the other end of substrate 2, through one ofthe adjusting holes 6 therein, and snap together. Any of the embodimentsdescribed in this disclosure may include a fastener, which may be madeadjustable, for example, by providing multiple mating or locking parts,a continuously variable length locking apparatus, or a unidirectionalsizing locking apparatus (i.e., a known-type of fastener that allows aband to be made tighter, but not looser). The circuitry comprising theRFID circuit 3 can be, in various combinations, carried in the substrate2, or formed by deposition on a layer in the substrate 2 of one or moreof conductive paths, semiconductor devices, or polymer materials, inaccordance with U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,598. The fastener can also comprisean adhesive wristband closure in accordance with U.S. Pat. No.5,457,906, a closure mechanism in accordance with U.S. Pat. No.5,479,797, a rivet, a staple, a crimp, or a heat-created bond, whichsecurely attaches the ends of the wristband to each other and closes thewristband around the wearer's wrist.

FIG. 2 illustrates an example embodiment of an improved secureidentification band 90. As with any of the embodiments described in thisdisclosure, an identification “band” may comprise a wristband, bracelet,patch, headband, armband, legband, ankleband, fingerband, toe band,necklace, card, sticker, waistband, belt, or other wearable appliance.The identification band may include data that is perceivable to humans,animals, or machines. For example, the emission of an aerosol chemicalor scent may be easily detectable by an animal such as a dog. Humans areintended fall under the “animal” category. Further, the data may bealphanumeric data, optical character recognizable data (such as barcodes), images, photographs, magnetically readable data, and/orbiometric data. Biometric data refers to data, which can be used toidentify a person such as the person's fingerprint, retina, blood, DNA,or voice data. In this particular example illustration, theidentification band 90 includes a structure 91 that is suitable to beworn by, attached to, or carried by a person. Preferably, theidentification band 90 is a wristband and the structure 91 is anelongate, flexible wristband material. For example, the structure 91 maybe an elongated flexible strip or laminated combination of polymeric,paper, or organic substrate. As used in this specification, “organic”includes polymeric. However, the identification band 90 need not beattached only to the wrist of a person as it also can be attached to theankle, neck, or other part of a person or animal, or to an object. Thefastening of the band 90 closes a circuit 92 and enables circuitfunctions such as RFID functions. If desired, the opening of thefastener, opens or disables the circuit 92. The improved band 90comprises a substrate structure 91, a circuit 92, a fastener with parts93 and 94, adjusting holes 95, and conductors 96 and 97, which connectthe circuit 92 to each fastener part 93 and 94. The fastener preferablycloses an electronic circuit, makes an electrical connection whenfastened, or otherwise enables an electronic circuit by, for example,electrical or capacitive coupling. Alternatively, the fastener may beelectrically conductive. Still alternatively, the fastener may enable acircuit by inductive or magnetic coupling. As with any embodimentdescribed in this disclosure, the circuit 92 preferably includes othercircuits, such as antenna circuitry, communication circuitry, signalgenerator circuitry, programmable encoder circuitry and interconnectioncircuitry. Further and as with any embodiments in this disclosure, thecircuit may perform a variety of functions including communicationfunctions such as RFID. In one embodiment, a surface mount RFID chipcontaining electronic circuits is mounted within the identification bandand electrically connected to an antenna. Alternatively, the RFID chipmay be formed by deposition on a layer or layers in the structure 91, oron both sides of a layer in the structure 91. The circuitry comprisingthe communication circuit can be, in various combinations, carried inthe substrate 91, or formed by deposition on a layer in the substrate 91of one or more of conductive paths, semiconductor devices, or polymermaterials. A circuit consisting entirely of conductive, insulatingand/or semiconductive materials directly deposited on the substrate 91may also be used. In fact, any of the circuits-on the identificationband can be made either partially or totally from semiconductors,conductors and insulators, and may be fabricated of inorganic or organicmaterials, as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,598, the entiredisclosure of which is incorporated herein by reference for allpurposes. An exemplary technique for forming an organic device, such asan organic semiconductor, is described in an article by Gamier et al.entitled “All-Polymer Field-Effect Transistor Realized by PrintingTechniques” (Science, Vol. 265, Sep. 16, 1994), the entire article ofwhich is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes. In otherwords, the identification band may have electronic components madeeither partially or totally from semiconductors, conductors andinsulators, which may be inorganic or organic, and which may be printedon the identification band. U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,598 describes organiccomponents, any of which may be used in the improved identificationband. Further, a memory containing organic material is described in U.S.patent application Ser. No. 2001000817107, titled “Integrated CircuitProvided with a Substrate and with a Memory, Transponder, and Method ofProgramming a Memory,” issued Nov. 29, 2001 to U.S. Philips Corp., theentirety of which is incorporated herein by reference for all purposes.It is preferable for the components of the identification band 90 to bethin so it is comfortable to wear. Additionally, it is preferable forthe substrate 91 and the printed components to be flexible.

Further, as with any embodiment having a circuit, the circuit 92 of FIG.2 may include a control logic or processing unit, which may be amicroprocessor, microcontroller, central processing unit (CPU),arithmetic logic unit (ALU), math coprocessor, graphics processor,hardware controller, programmable logic device programmed for use as acontroller, or other control logic. The circuit may include any of thecircuits described in this disclosure or known to those of skill in theart of circuit design. As with any of the embodiments described in thisdisclosure, the circuit further may include an optional data storagedevice, such as a memory of any kind. The data storage device or memorymay be fabricated out of inorganic materials, organic materials, or acombination of inorganic and organic materials. The identification band90, and any of the identification bands described in this disclosure,may include an antenna such as a microstrip antenna described inco-pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/093,202, titled“Microstrip Antenna for an Identification Appliance, filed on Mar. 5,2002, and subsequently published on Sep. 11, 2003 as U.S. Publication2003/0169207 whose entire disclosure is incorporated by reference forall purposes.

When the fastener closes, the parts 93 and 94 of the fastener come intocontact, which closes the circuit 92 through the conductors 96 and 97,thereby enabling circuit functions. The conductors 96 and 97 may eachcomprise two or more separate electrical conductors that are connectedto the circuit 92; the conductors further may comprise one or more ofconductive wire or fiber, conductive foil, meltable conductor, or aprinted conductor. In communication with the conductors is a fastenercomprising one or more of a conductive adhesive, a conductive closuremechanism, a magnetic closure mechanism, a conductive rivet or staple, acrimped attachment, or a heat-created bond in proximity to theconductors, any of which when applied electrically connects, enables anelectrical connection between, or alters the capacitance between, theconductors, thereby closing one or more electrical circuits, which may,for example, power the circuit 92, connect an antenna, tune the antenna,or change a logic state input to the circuit 92.

Other fasteners that can be used in any of the embodiments described inthis disclosure include applying to the overlapping portions of thesubstrate one or more of the steps of permanently deforming thesubstrate to bond together the overlapped portions, rupturing walls ofadhesive-filled microspaces in the substrate and optionally curing theadhesive by radio frequency, heat or ultraviolet exposure, rupturingwalls of microspaces in the substrate separately filled with adhesiveand catalyst that mix and cure thereupon, or by melting togetheradjacent surface areas of the overlapped portions, which when performed,securely attaches the ends of the wristband to each other, therebyclosing the wristband around the wearer's wrist. As with any embodimentdescribed in this disclosure, the fastener may enable a circuit by, forexample, electrical, inductive, capacitative coupling.

Yet another alternative is to attach the identification band by a meanssimilar to a belt buckle. For example, the buckle may be mounted to oneend of the substrate 91 and which when opened, allows free movement ofthe other end of the substrate though the buckle so that the band beadjustably fitted to the wearer. The buckle design also permits removalof the identification band from the wearer for reuse. The buckle maycomprise an electrical conductor and circuit-activating means toactivate the circuit 92 when the identification band is fastened and todeactivate the circuit 92 when the identification band is unfastened orremoved. The buckle can made of an electrically conductive metal of atype that is known to be suitable for buckles, including but not limitedto an alloy of iron, copper or aluminum; the buckle can also be made ofa polymer having an electrically conductive coating thereon. Thecircuit-activating means may comprise two separate electrical conductorsin the substrate 91, each of which separately connects to the circuit 92and extends toward the end of the substrate that does not have thebuckle. When the buckle closes and clamps the substrate 91 between themovable and fixed portions of the buckle, a direct contact or acapacitive gap forms between each conductor and the buckle conductor, orthe buckle alternatively brings together associated conductive surfaces,thereby closing an electrical circuit, which in turn activates thecircuit 92. When the buckle is opened and the identification band isremoved, the direct contact or capacitive gap between each conductor andthe buckle conductor is broken, thereby opening the electrical circuit,which in turn deactivates the circuit 92.

The securement of the identification band may be permanent for the usagelife of the band, or may be temporary and defeatable by an authorizedprocedure. In the case of temporary securement, the identification bandmay be re-used and re-secured using an authorized procedure or method byan authorized agency or person.

Any of the identification appliances or bands described in thisdisclosure may have electromagnetic energy absorption means so that theidentification band may be energized by an external electromagneticfield signal. For example, an antenna may obtain power from a receivedsignal, where the power is used to power some or all of the circuits onthe identification appliance. The interrogating/powering electromagneticsignal provides power and enabling information to the identificationband. The interrogating/powering signals may contain a power signal onlyor both a power signal and information modulated onto the power signal.Upon energizing by an electromagnetic signal, the identification bandmay display optically readable information according to the dataprogrammed in the band, stored in the band, or received from theinterrogating/enabling device.

Likewise, any of the identification appliance described in thisdisclosure may include an optional audio, visual, or sensory (e.g.,vibrating) device to display information such as the scanned biometricdata and alphanumeric information. The display may be a light emittingpolymer diode, a liquid crystal display (LCD), or a diode-capacitordirectly connected to an antenna that may be a resonant antenna. Anexample of a diode-capacitor is provided in U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/723,897, titled “Rectifying Charge Storage Element” and filed onNov. 28, 2000, the entirety of which application is incorporated hereinby reference for all purposes. The diode-capacitor may, for example,include a LEDICAP, which is a diode-capacitor formed with alight-emitting polymer that emits light when current flows through it.The display can be always on, turned on by the circuit in theidentification band, or activated by an external electromagnetic fieldsignal. If an interrogating/powering electromagnetic signal includes apower signal and data modulated onto the power signal, the display mayindicate only the presence of an interrogating or powering field, or itmay indicate the data transmitted with the interrogating or poweringfield. Still alternatively, the display may indicate data derived frominternal data in the identification band, a combination of informationfrom both the identification band and the interrogating/powering field,or information derived from the band and/or the field.

The display may consist of a single device or a plurality of devices. Asingle device may be formed in an arbitrary shape, including analphanumeric character, logo, or other recognizable symbol or picture. Aplurality of devices may be formed into a matrix (row/columnaddressable) or another combination that creates a variety of differentrecognizable visual outputs such as pre-formed characters or symbols.The display may be based on an array of pixels. The display may be aflexible display formed on or attached to the substrate of theidentification band. The display may be formed of reflectivetechnologies such as electrophoretic, ferroelectric, cholesteric, oremissive technologies such as organic LED (OLED), PDLC (a reflectivemode polymer-dispersed-liquid-crystal display) plasma, or cholestericnematic (passive matrix LCD) technologies. A reflective display may beattached to or formed on the identification band, and the reflectivedisplay may be either volatile, where the display only produces anoptical output when it is powered, or nonvolatile, where the displayretains its optical state even after power is withdrawn from it. Anonvolatile display may be write-once or be reprogrammable. The displaymay provide information that is optically readable as image data byhumans or machines, or a time-varying modulated optical signal (e.g.,from a light-emitting diode or composite organic light-emitting device)that may be decoded remotely by an electro-optical receiver.

Any of the identification appliances or bands described in thisdisclosure may include an optional optical information transmissionmeans so that information programmed or stored in the identificationband may be transmitted optically as a modulated signal, through any ofthe known modulation techniques. Such an optical device may includesilicon and organic or polymer light emitting diodes (LEDs).

FIG. 3 illustrates another example embodiment of an improved secureidentification band 90. The band 90 has a circuit 92 that opens anddisables certain functions, such as communication or RFID functions,when the band is torn, cut, or overly stretched. The band 200 comprisesat least one substrate 91, a circuit 92, a fastener with parts 93 and94, adjusting holes 95, and a conductor 99 that forms a closed circuitwith the circuit 92. When the band 90 is torn, cut, or overly stretched,the conductor 99 breaks, thereby opening the circuit and disablingcircuit functions. The conductor 99 may comprise a pattern of electricalinterconnections in the substrate 91, the conductors of which compriseone or more of a conductive wire or fiber, conductive foil, organicconductor, or printed conductor. When the band 90 is torn, cut, oroverly stretched, the conductor 99 is severed or broken, therebydisconnecting portions of the circuit 92, which may in turn power thecircuit 92 off, disconnect an antenna, detune the antenna, or change oneor more logic state inputs to the circuit 92.

Alternatively, circuit functions can also be disabled by using a patternof non-conductive fibers in the substrate 91 that are stronger thansubstrate and electrical interconnections therein; when the band 90 isstretched or twisted, the fibers tear the substrate 91 and ruptureelectrical circuits therein, which destroys or renders inoperative, forexample, a data storage device in the circuit 92, a data transmissiondevice in the circuit 92, some other circuit in the circuit 92, or theentire circuit 92. This alternative approach may be implemented in anyof the other embodiments described in this disclosure.

FIG. 4 illustrates yet another example embodiment of an improved secureidentification band 90. Band 90 has a circuit 92 that closes and enablescertain circuit functions when the band 90 is fastened and that opensand disables certain circuit functions when the band 90 is unfastened oris torn, cut, or overly stretched. As shown in FIG. 4, the band 90comprises a substrate 91, a circuit 92, a fastener with parts 93 and 94,adjusting holes 95, and conductors 96 and 97 that connect the circuit 92to each fastener part 93 and 94. The fastener preferably closes anelectrical circuit or makes an electrical connection when fastened.Alternatively, the fastener may be electrically conductive. When thefastener closes, the parts 93 and 94 of the fastener come into contact,thereby closing the circuit 92 through the conductors 96 and 97 andenabling circuit functions. When the band 90 is unfastened, or is torn,cut, or overly stretched and conductor 96 or 97 breaks, the circuitopens and disables certain or all circuit functions. The conductors 96and 97 may comprise two or more separate electrical conductors that areconnected to the circuit 92, the conductors comprising one or more ofconductive wire or fiber, conductive foil, meltable conductor, or aprinted conductor. In communication with the conductors may be afastener comprising one or more of a conductive adhesive, a conductiveclosure mechanism, a magnetic closure mechanism, a conductive rivet orstaple, a crimp, or a heat-created bond in proximity to the conductors,any of which when applied electrically connects the conductors, enablesan electrical connection between, or alters the capacitance between, theconductors, thereby closing one or more electrical circuits that may,for example, power the circuit 92, connect an antenna, tune the antenna,or change a logic state input to the circuit 92. When the electricalcircuits are opened by unfastening, stretching, or cutting the band 90,portions of the circuit 92 are disconnected, which may power offportions or all of the circuit 92, disconnect an antenna, detune theantenna, or change a logic state input to the circuit 92. As previouslymentioned, circuit functions can be disabled alternatively by using apattern of non-conductive fibers in the substrate 91 that are strongerthan substrate 91 and electrical interconnections therein. When the band90 is overly stretched or twisted, the fibers tear or deform thesubstrate 91 and rupture electrical circuits therein, thereby destroyinga data storage device in the circuit 92, a data transmission device inthe circuit 92, any other circuit in the circuit 92, or the entirecircuit 92.

FIG. 5 illustrates another example embodiment of an improved secureidentification band containing an ink or dye that is released bytampering. As shown in FIG. 5, the example band 90 comprises a substrate91, a circuit 92, a fastener with parts 93 and 94, adjusting holes 95,and container 98 containing an ink or dye that is released when the band90 is torn, cut, or overly stretched. The ink-releasing means comprisesan ink-filled space 98 in the band 90 and an empty space in the band 90that is adjacent to the ink-filled space 98. When the band 90 is overlystretched, twisted, torn or cut, the wall ruptures between theink-filled space 98 and the adjacent empty space, thereby leaking inkinto the empty space and visibly discoloring the band 90. Alternatively,the wall ruptures between the ink-filled space 98 and the exteriorsurface of the band 90. In addition, the ink or dye may contain achemical aerosol or scent perceivable by a machine (e.g., electronicchemical defecteor) or an animal, such as a dog or a human.

Alternatively, the identification band may be attached by means similarto a belt buckle, as previously discussed. For example, the buckle maybe mounted to one end of the substrate 91 and which when opened, allowsfree movement of the other end of the substrate though the buckle sothat the band be adjustably fitted to the wearer. The buckle design alsopermits removal of the identification band from the wearer for reuse. Adye tack in communication with the buckle releases dye when the buckleor dye-tack is subjected to tampering. The dye or ink tack may besimilar to those used for retail theft deterrence, has locking partsthat can be removed intact only with a special tool, and is attached insuch a manner that a portion of the dye tack closes over or around aportion of the closed buckle. When an unauthorized attempt is made toopen the buckle or to remove the dye tack from the identification band,a dye-filled vial in the dye tack is broken, thereby leaking dye out anddiscoloring identification band or marking the skin of the person who istampering with the buckle or dye tack. Again, an aerosol chemical orscent may be contained in the dye tack, which is detectable to ananimal, human, or machine.

FIG. 6 illustrates still another example embodiment of an improvedidentification band 700 that, when attached, creates an identifyingpattern in both visible and electronic forms. As shown in FIG. 6, theexample improved identification band 700 comprises a substrate 705having a circuit 710 and an identification area 715 with a shadedbackground into which conductor pairs 720 from the circuit 710 terminatewith connections 725. To attach the identification band 700, the firstend 730 is placed over the second end 735, and holes 740 are punchedthrough, or embossed into area 715 with the aid of alignment marks 735,thereby stitching together the overlapped ends, forming a visiblepattern, and connecting and/or disconnecting specific pairs or randomcombinations of conductors 720 to form an electrical circuit ofconnected and/or disconnected pairs, which in turn set logic stateinputs to the circuit 710 corresponding to the pattern. As with any ofthe embodiments, encoding the identity of a person, object or entityincludes forming a unique pattern of one or more of an arrangement offigures, symbols or characters, a bar code, or a drawing correspondingto that identity. Forming a visible identification of the person, objector entity may include one or more of the following steps: forming anembossment, which embossment may include coloring with an ink;activating colorless material in the substrate to become colored;activating colorless adhesive and catalyst in the substrate to becomecolored when mixed or cured; and using a material or adhesive andcatalyst that is sensitive to applied pressure or heat so as to make avisible pattern. Optionally, the embossed pattern may be visible onlybecause of its contours. Applying the identifying pattern to themechanical securement device includes one or more of mechanically,electrically, or thermally engraving, cutting, impressing, or embossingthe pattern. In an example of the use of such a band 700, a numbercorresponding to a security clearance level of the wearer, such as thenumber “3”, or an official seal can be applied at the time ofattachment. Thus, a visible indication of that clearance, and anelectronic indication based on the formed electrical circuit andtransmitted by the circuit 710, are available for controlling access toa secure area or to classified information.

The data stored hi the identification band may include any kind ofinformation. For instance, the data may comprise identity data,financial transaction data, or medical data. Any of the data may beencrypted prior to the data being stored in the identification band. Asanother example, bands with the same pattern and related information canbe attached to a person and to a set of baggage, the pattern identifyingboth the person and an airline flight, so that only persons and baggageidentified for that flight will be allowed on the aircraft, and theperson can only claim baggage having bands with that same pattern.

An alternative to any of the embodiments described in this disclosure isto associate more than one identity with an identification band. Forexample, a first identifying pattern and a second identifying patternmay be stored or contained on the identification band. The first andsecond identifying patterns may manifest in different ways. As anexample, the first identifying pattern forms a visible firstidentification, while the second identifying pattern forms electricaldata in a data storage device in the identification band. Moreover, thefirst and second identifying patterns may be used to identify the sameor different people. For instance, the first identifying pattern may beassociated with the person who is distributing or attaching theidentification band and the second identifying pattern may be associatedwith the wearer of the identification band.

A battery or power source may be provided to power a memory, logic,circuit, or other function of the identification band essential to itsuseful operation. In order to safeguard the security of informationstored in the identification band in any of the embodiments described,the identification band may have a battery that runs out of power at orwithin a predetermined time period or on a certain calendar date/time,or a circuit that stops its operation or erases the stored informationat or within a predetermined time period or on a certain calendardate/time. To make the battery life run out, the circuit may impose afixed load on the battery, a programmable constant load on the battery,or upon the expiration of a timer, impose a load on the battery.Alternatively, the identification band may have a lock mode fordata-stored in a data storage device such as a memory such that the datais not accessible without the proper equipment, password, and/ormatching of identifying data with the user trying to gain access to theinformation.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example embodiment of an improved identificationband that stores biometric information. As shown in FIG. 7, the improvedband 1000 comprises a substrate 1005 having a circuit 1010, a fastenerwith parts 1015 and 1020, adjusting holes 1025, a data storage device1030 that is preferably a nonvolatile memory, and a jack or electricalcontacts 1035 for receiving biometric information to be stored in thedata storage device 1030. For example and as with any embodimentdescribed in this disclosure that may have a data storage device, thedata storage device 1030 may be a random access memory (RAM), read onlymemory (ROM), programmable read only memory (PROM), electricallyerasable PROM (EEPROM), organic PROM, organic RAM, anti-fuse PROM,ultraviolet light erasable PROM (UVPROM), fixed disk media, flexibledisk media, flash memory, tape, or any other storage retrieval means, orany combination of these volatile and non-volatile memory means. Thedata storage device or memory can include any of the data storagedevices or memories described in this disclosure or known to those ofskill in the art of such devices. Also, as with any embodiment describedin this disclosure, the data storage device or memory may further permitreading only, reading and writing, or writing only.

Further, as with any embodiment, the data storage device may store alink or address to information stored in an external database. Thisexternal database, which may be resident on an external system such as acomputer, host system, or wireless network, and can preferably beaccessed through the Internet. In such a case, the identificationappliance transmits the link or address to the information in thedatabase, whereupon receipt, the receiving device accesses the databaseand retrieves the actual information. This allows the data storagedevice to store less information locally, which can make theidentification appliance smaller and thinner, while not sacrificing theamount of information being transferred. As an example, the database maystore the entire medical history of the authorized bearer of theidentification appliance, which medical history may be stored on thehospital's computer and which the hospital may update. Thus, byproviding a pointer or link to the medical history, the information willbe the most recent version and other people may add to, delete from, orotherwise modify the information, if desired. In another example, thedatabase may store the digitized fingerprint data of the authorizedbearer of the identification appliance, which can require a large amountof storage space that cannot be readily put onto the identificationappliance.

As an example of the use of the improved band shown in FIG. 7, at thetime of attachment of the band 1000 to a wearer 1040, the wearer 1040 isscanned by a charge-coupled device camera 1045 communicating with anencoder 1050 that converts the image signal to encoded image data andtransmits that data through a cable 1055, a removable plug 1060 insertedinto jack 1035, and into the data-storage device 1030. After attachmentof the band 1000 and storage of the image data therein, the plug 1060 isdetached from the jack 1035 and the wearer 1040 is free to move around.To later ascertain or verify the identity of the wearer 1040, the imagedata is transmitted by the circuit 1010 to a reader 1065, such as a RFIDreader, decoded and rendered into a viewable image 1070, and thencompared with the actual appearance of the wearer 1040.

Optionally, biological characteristics of the wearer 1040 may be storedin the band 1000 by transferring encoded biometric data to the datastorage device 1030 on the band 1000 by electric current, electric ormagnetic fields, or electromagnetic waves. For example, biometric datamay include any images of or data about the wearer's fingerprints,retina, iris, face, DNA, genetic data such as a portion of the wearer'sgenome sequence or genes, or a time domain or frequency domain responseof the wearer's voice, or a biochemical assay of the wearer's scent,blood, or breath. In other applications, the biometric data may berelated to a person's signature, signature plus handwriting dynamics,iris, retina, face recognition, voiceprint, voiceprint and voice stress,fingerprint, other skin pattern, chemical signature (e.g., smell, blood,sweat), DNA, genetic data, or some electric, magnetic, acoustic, orother biometric characteristic. Alternatively, the biometric sensor mayprovide data about the wearer for purposes other than foridentification. For instance, the biometric sensor may be incorporatedinto the identification appliance to monitor or detect the wearer'spulse rate, heart electrical signals, blood pressure, insulin levels,temperature and the like, where such biometric data may be transmittedto other devices (such as monitoring computers at a hospital)constantly, intermittantly, or upon alert conditions. The biometricsensor may be coupled to a data storage device, communication circuit,optical data display, or other components of the identification band.The biometric data may be encoded, converted into a data formataccording to a predetermined data template, and stored in a data storagedevice on the identification appliance. To verify the identity of thewearer of the identification appliance, any known method of comparingthe stored biometric data and the wearer's biometric data may be used.For example, one method may be to determine the probability of a match.As an example of such a method, an XOR (“exclusive or”) operation can beperformed on the stored biometric data and the wearer's currentbiometric data to produce a third data set indicating those items in thefirst and second data sets that are not identical. A higher number ofnon-identical items will indicate a higher probability that the weareris not the person whose encoded biometric data is stored in theidentification band, and that number can also be compared to thresholdnumbers above which there are various predetermined levels of suchprobability (e.g. high, intermediate, or low). In accordance withcorresponding biological features, data items can also be weighted inproportion to their effects on the overall certainty of identityverification. For instance, fingerprint data may be given higher weightthan iris data. The results of the data comparison can also be displayedin a manner suitable for human judgment of probability.

FIG. 8 illustrates another example embodiment of an improvedidentification band 1200 in which biometric information and alphanumericinformation are stored. As shown in FIG. 8, the improved band 1200comprises a substrate 1205 having an RFID circuit 1210, a fastener withparts 1215 and 1220, adjusting holes 1225, a data storage device 1230that is preferably a nonvolatile memory, and a jack 1235 for receivingencoded information to be stored in the data storage device 1230. Afirst set of receptacles within jack 1235 communicates with a first areain the data storage device 1230 that is reserved for biometricinformation, and a second set of receptacles communicates with a secondarea in the data storage device 1230 that is reserved for alphanumericinformation. The jack 1235 may be configured to accept only one plug, ormore than one plug, at a time.

As an example of the use of the improved band 1200 shown in FIG. 8, atthe time of attachment of the band 1200 to a wearer 1240, the wearer1240 is scanned by a charge-coupled device camera 1245 communicatingwith an encoder 1250 that converts the image signal to encoded imagedata and transmits that data through a first cable 1255, a firstremovable plug 1260 having pins 1262 that insert into the first set ofreceptacles within jack 1235, and into the area of the data storagedevice 1230 reserved for biometric information. Subsequently, the wearer1240 enters a personal identification number (“PIN”) 1265 shown in FIG.8 as “5612” into keypad-encoder 1270 that converts the PIN sequence 1265to encoded alphanumeric data and transmits that data through a secondcable 1275, a second removable plug 1280 having pins 1282 that insertinto the second set of receptacles within jack 1235, and into the areaof the data storage device 1230 reserved for alphanumeric information.After attachment of the band 1200 to the wearer 1240, storage of theimage and PIN data therein, and removal of plugs 1260 and 1280 from thejack 1235, the wearer is free to move around. To later ascertain orverify the identity of the wearer the image and PIN data are transmittedby the circuit 1210 to a reader 1285 such as a RFID reader, decoded andrendered into a viewable image and alphanumeric data on video screen1290. The person, machine, or authorized agency making the verificationcan then compare the viewed image with the actual appearance of thewearer, and, for additional security, compare the viewed PIN to a PINcommunicated by the wearer. Optionally, a signal may indicate whetherthe PINs matched. Alternatively to an electrical connection to a jack,an electromagnetically coupled circuit such as those used in a RFID tagmay be used to transfer data. This method requires no physical contactwith the circuitry of the identification band.

FIG. 9 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification band, which stores biometric and alphanumericinformation and whose circuit functions are activated when the band isattached or deactivated when the band is unfastened, tom, cut, or overlystretched. As shown in FIG. 9, the improved band 1400 comprises asubstrate 1405 having a circuit 1410, an electrically conductivefastener with parts 1415 and 1420, adjusting holes 1425, a data storagedevice 1430 that is preferably a nonvolatile memory in the circuit 1410and a jack 1435 for receiving encoded biometric and alphanumericinformation to be stored in the data storage device 1430. Alternatively,the data may be programmed into the data storage device of FIGS. 7–9 byelectromagnetic coupling, such as through RF waves. Conductors 1440 and1445 connect the circuit 1410 to each fastener part 1415 and 1420. Whenthe fastener closes, the parts 1415 and 1420 of the fastener come intocontact, thereby closing the circuit through the conductors 1440 and1445, enabling circuit functions, and making the stored data availablefor transmission by the circuit 1410. When the band 1400 is unfastened,or is torn, cut, or overly stretched and conductor 1440 or 1445 breaks,the circuit opens and disables any or all circuit functions. Optionally,the opening of the circuit may cause the circuit to alter or destroy anydata stored in memory 1430. If the band 1400 is reattached, againclosing the circuit through the conductors 1440 and 1445 and enablingcircuit functions, the originally-stored data, having been altered, isno longer available for transmission.

FIG. 10 is a representative illustration of an example method of usingan improved identification band for passenger ticketing and boarding,such as at an airport, boat dock, train station, bus station and thelike. As shown in FIG. 10, when a passenger 1510 checks in at a ticketcounter, ticket information 1520 and, for example, an image of thepassenger 1510 from a charge-coupled device camera 1530 and/or otheridentifying data are stored in a data storage device that is preferablya nonvolatile memory on the band 1540. The band 1540 is then attached tothe wrist 1550 of the passenger 1510. Preferably, the band 1540 is thetype in which the stored data is altered or destroyed when the banddetects any tampering or detachment of the band. The band 1540 serves asa passenger ticket and boarding pass, and when the passenger 1510 isabout to board, the stored data in the data storage device on the band1540 on the wrist 1550 may be transmitted to a reader 1560, decoded andverified either automatically or by a human viewing data on a videoscreen 1570 so that the identity and proper ticketing of passenger 1510can be verified.

FIG. 11 is a representative illustration of an example method of usingan improved identification band for passenger baggage tagging andclaiming. At departure, identification bands 1610 are prepared withstored encoded passenger image or other identifying data and ticketinformation, one of which is attached to the passenger's wrist 1620 as abaggage claim receipt and the rest of which are attached to thepassenger's baggage items 1630 as baggage tags. At the baggage claim inthe destination terminal, the stored data in the identification bands1610 on the wrist 1620 and on the baggage items 1630 are transmitted toa reader 1640, decoded and verified automatically or by a human viewingdata on a video screen 1650, so that the baggage items 1630 can beproperly claimed by matching the bands 1610 to each other.

FIG. 12 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, whichhas printed biometric data. The example identification appliance has anelongate band 10, a band fastener 12, and a mating band fastener 14 thatmates with the band fastener 12. The identification appliance can haveprinted information 16 and a portrait 18 or fingerprint 20.

FIG. 13 is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with printed biometric data. The example identification appliance has anelongate band, a band fastener 26, and a mating band fastener 28 thatmates with the band fastener 26. The elongate band may comprise a toplaminate 22 and a bottom laminate 24. Silicon and/or printed circuitrycomponents 30 may be sandwiched between the laminates 22, 24. Theidentification appliance may have printed biometric information 32 onany of its surfaces.

FIG. 14 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, witha biometric sensor. The example identification appliance has an elongateband 34, a band fastener 36, and a mating band fastener 38 that mateswith the band fastener 36. As with any of the embodiments described inthis disclosure, silicon and/or printed circuitry components 40 may beembedded, printed, or otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band 34.The identification appliance may include a biometric sensor 42. Thebiometric sensor 42 may scan or otherwise obtain a person's fingerprint,iris, retina, or other identifying biometric feature and provide thebiometric information to the circuitry 40. An example of such abiometric sensor built from an optical device is as follows. The opticaldevice may include a layered structure containing a light emittingdevice(s) and semi-transparent light sensing devices for measuring lightreflection of an object placed above the layered device. By using theseoptical devices, the reflective signature of a fingerprint could beilluminated, measured and recorded. The optical device may be a singledevice that senses the presence or absence of light wavelengths, theintensity of light wavelengths, or a time-varying optical signalcarrying information. Alternatively, the optical device may comprise aplurality of sensing devices including a linear or two-dimensional arrayof sensors. The optical device may include a non-visible (i.e. infra-redor ultra-violet) optical input, optical output, or power conversionelement. As with any of the described embodiments, the biometric sensormay be an optical sensor, a heat sensor, a pressure sensor, a humiditysensor, a chemical sensor, an electromagnetic sensor, or an acousticsensor; the biometric sensor may be a plurality of devices that may beformed into a matrix (row/column addressable) or other spatiallydistributed pattern of elements. The circuitry 40 preferably includesother circuits, such as antenna circuitry, signal generator circuitry,communication circuitry, programmable encoder circuitry andinterconnection circuitry, and is adapted to control and interact withthe biometric sensor 42. The circuitry for the biometric sensor 42 maybe made of silicon, organic materials, or other thin materials. Further,biometric information 44 may be printed on the band 34. The circuitry 40may then compare the scanned biometric data with stored biometric datato determine their correlation. The identification appliance, as withany of the embodiments described in this disclosure, may include anaudio, visual, or sensory (e.g., vibrating) device to indicate whether acorrelation or match exists. As with any embodiment described in thisdisclosure, an optional antenna, electronic data storage device ormemory, battery or power source, display, and/or printed biometric oralphanumeric information may be included as well.

FIG. 15 is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,which has a biometric sensor and a wireless communication circuit suchas a REID circuit. The wireless communication circuit may incorporateany of the features, such as Bluetooth compatibility, described inconcurrently filed U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/101,471, filedSep. 18, 2002, titled “Wearable Identification Appliance ThatCommunicates With A Wireless Communication Network Such As Bluetooth,”and subsequently published on Sep. 18, 2003 as U.S. Publication2003/0174049, the entirety of which application is incorporated hereinby reference for all purposes. The example identification appliance hasan elongate band 46, a band fastener 48, a mating band fastener 50 thatmates with the band fastener 48, silicon and/or printed circuitrycomponents 56 that may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited inor on the elongate band 46, a communication antenna 52 such as a RFIDantenna that may be embedded or attached to the band 46, a biometricsensor 54, and printed biometric information 58 printed on the band 46.The biometric sensor 54, as with any of the embodiments in thisdisclosure, may scan a person's fingerprint, iris, retina, voice, orother identifying biometric feature. Of course, there may be more thanone biometric sensor if desired. The biometric sensor 54 may be disposedin the elongate band 46, a securement structure used to fasten theidentification band to a person, or both.

FIG. 16 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, whichhas a biometric sensor, a wireless communication circuit such as a RFIDcircuit, and an electronic memory or data storage device. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 60, a band fastener 62, amating band fastener 64 that mates with the band fastener 62, siliconand/or printed circuitry components 74 that may be embedded or printedor otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band 60, a communicationantenna 68 such as a RFID antenna that may be embedded or attached tothe band 60, a biometric sensor 70, an electronic memory 72, and printedbiometric information 66 printed on the band 60. The circuitry 74preferably includes other circuits, such as antenna circuitry, signalgenerator circuitry, communication circuitry, programmable encodercircuitry and interconnection circuitry, and is adapted to control andinteract with the biometric sensor 70 and electronic memory or datastorage device 72. As with any embodiment described in this disclosure,the data storage device 72 may be any kind of memory or data storagedevice. The biometric sensor 70 may scan a person's fingerprint, iris,retina, voice, or other identifying biometric feature. Of course, theremay be more than one biometric sensor if desired. The circuitry 74 maythen compare the scanned biometric data with biometric data stored inthe data storage device 72 to see if they match. The identificationappliance may include an audio, visual, or sensory (e.g., vibrating)device to display the biometric data and/or to indicate whether a matchexists, which device may optionally communicate the data remotely to aremote sensor or display device; such a display can be any of thedisplays described in this disclosure or known to those of skill in theart of displays.

FIG. 17 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with a biometric sensor 82 and display 88. Theidentification appliance of FIG. 17 is similar to that of FIG. 16,except that FIG. 17 specifically illustrates a display 88. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 76, a band fastener 78, amating band fastener 80 that mates with the band fastener 78, acommunication antenna 86 such as a RFID antenna that may be embedded orattached to the band 76, and a biometric sensor 82. The identificationappliance has silicon and/or printed circuitry components 84 that may beembedded, printed, or otherwise disposed in or on the elongate band 76or its various layers. The biometric sensor 82 may sense or scan aperson's fingerprint, iris, retina, voice, or other identifyingbiometric feature. The circuitry 84 may then compare the scannedbiometric data with biometric data stored in the data storage device todetermine if they match. The display 88 may display the biometric orother data and/or indicate whether a match exists in a mannerperceptible to a person, such as by an audible, visual, or sensory(e.g., vibrating) device. An optional antenna, electronic data storagedevice or memory, acoustic sensor, chemical sensor, optical sensor, heatsensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor, electromagnetic sensor,flexible keypad, battery or power source, and/or printed biometric oralphanumeric information may be included as well. As with any of theembodiments described in this disclosure, these optional devices andsensors may be disposed in the elongate band, a securement structureused to fasten the identification band to a person, or both.

FIG. 18 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withphotovoltaic cells. The example identification appliance has an elongateband 100, a band fastener 102, a mating band fastener 104 that mateswith the band fastener 102, silicon and/or printed circuitry components106 that may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited in or on theelongate band 100, and one or more photovoltaic cells 108. Thephotovoltaic cells 108 provide power, and optionally information such asa data signal from an optical source, to the circuitry 106. To generatephotoelectric power, a photodiode (formed of silicon, amorphous silicon,or organic material) or photodiode array may be attached to or formed onthe identification band. The photodiode could generate electric power topower the circuitry on the band, or recharge a battery attached to orformed in or on the band. The photodiode can also serve as a signalinput transducer for information input to the identification band, whichinformation may be transmitted to the identification band by a lightsource modulated by the information content. As with any embodimentdescribed in this disclosure, an optional antenna, electronic datastorage device or memory, biometric sensor, acoustic sensor, chemicalsensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressure sensor, humidity sensor,electromagnetic sensor, flexible keypad, battery or power source,display, and/or printed biometric or alphanumeric information may beincluded as well.

FIG. 19 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withembedded circuitry and a microstrip or patch antenna. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 110, a band fastener 112,a mating band fastener 114 that mates with the band fastener 112,silicon and/or printed circuitry components 118 that may be embedded orprinted or otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band 110, printedbiometric information 116, and a microstrip or patch antenna 120. Aconductor or conductors 119 may span the length of the band 110 and beconnected to the circuit 118, which conductors will break if the band istampered with and optionally inform the circuit 118. The microstripantenna 120 may be any of those described in co-pending patentapplication filed on Mar. 5, 2002, titled “Microstrip Antenna forIdentification Appliance” , U.S. patent application Ser. No. 10/101,471,and subsequently published on Sep. 11, 2003 as U.S. Publication2003/0169207, the entirety of which application is incorporated byreference for all purposes. Such a microstrip antenna provides certainadvantages, such as directing more of the radiating energy away from thewearer to improve the transmission range of the identification applianceand to reduce directing energy toward the wearer for health reasons. Themicrostrip antenna may be added or deleted from any of the embodimentsdescribed in this disclosure.

FIG. 20 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, whichperforms signal processing and computation and has an electronic datastorage device or memory. The example identification appliance has anelongate band 122, a band fastener 124, a mating band fastener 126 thatmates with the band fastener 124, silicon and/or printed circuitrycomponents 132 that may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited inor on the elongate band 122, printed biometric information 128, anantenna 130 and an electronic data storage device or memory 134. Thecircuitry 132 may include signal transmission circuitry, signalreception circuitry, data processing circuitry and computationcircuitry, as desired. In this example, the circuitry 132, data storagedevice 134 and antenna 130 are sandwiched between the inner substrate ofthe body 122 and the structure carrying the printed information 128.

FIG. 21 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withone or more chemical sensors 144. The example identification appliancehas an elongate band 136, a band fastener 138, a mating band fastener140 that mates with the band fastener 138, silicon and/or printedcircuitry components 142 that may be embedded or printed or otherwisedeposited in or on the elongate band 136, and an antenna 143. Further,an optional antenna, electronic data storage device or memory, biometricsensor, acoustic sensor, optical sensor, heat sensor, pressure sensor,humidity sensor; electromagnetic sensor, flexible keypad, battery orpower source, display, and/or printed biometric or alphanumericinformation may be included. The chemical sensor may be any kind ofchemical sensor. For example, it may sense physiological attributes of aperson such as temperature, sweat content and pheromones.

FIG. 22 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withan acoustic transducer 164. Of course, a plurality of acoustictransducers may be provided, if desired. The acoustic sensors maycomprise audio transducers for audio input or output. An audio signalsuch as speech from the wearer may be transduced and processed by knowntechniques and transmitted by the communication circuit in theidentification appliance to a remote listener. Similarly, an audiosignal may be received by the identification appliance from a remotetransmitter by wireless communication, and processed and transduced tobe audible to the wearer. The identification appliance also may haveknown algorithms to process speech recognition or output synthesizedspeech. The acoustic sensor 164 may comprise a piezoelectric transducerthat detects acoustic waves. Other types of acoustic sensors may also beused. The acoustic information may be processed by a circuit 162, whichmay include any known voice activation or speech recognition algorithms.Further, the appliance may allow users to communicate two-way withremote units or have circuitry or algorithms to derive biometric data(such as a user's unique identifying speech patterns) from the user'sspeech. The example identification appliance has an elongate band 154, aband fastener 156, a mating band fastener 158 that mates with the bandfastener 156, silicon and/or printed circuitry components 162 that maybe embedded or printed or otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band154, and printed biometric information 160. Further, an optionalantenna, electronic data storage device or memory, biometric sensor,chemical sensor, optical sensor, flexible keypad, battery or powersource, and/or display may be included as well.

FIG. 23 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, withelectro-optical or opto-electronic components 172. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 166, a band fastener 168,a mating band fastener 170 that mates with the band fastener 168, andsilicon and/or printed circuitry components 174 that may be embedded orprinted or otherwise deposited in or on the elongate band 166. Thecircuit 174 may control signals to or process signals from theelectro-optical components 172. For example, the electro-opticalcomponents 172 may perform various functions such as communicatingoptically with an external or internal device, signaling (e.g., by lightfrom a light emitting diode), indicating (e.g., by emitting light orvarying light reflectances), displaying (e.g., of alphanumeric or imagedata by pre-formed indicators or matrix of indicators), sensing (e.g.,of levels of light), and converting power (e.g., as a photovoltaiccell). As a further example, the electro-optical components 172 maycomprise light emitting diodes (LEDs) that can be polymeric or organicLEDs as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,973,598. If the electro-opticalcomponents 172 perform an optical communication function, they mayinclude optical fibers, light sources and/or light detectors such asphotodetectors. If desired, the electro-optical components 172 may actas an electro-optical display device by including liquid crystaldisplays, electrophoretic displays, gas discharge displays andelectromechanical displays. If desired, the electro-optical components172 may include an electro-optical input device by includingphotodiodes, photoresistors, photomultiplier tubes and other inputdevices. The electro-optical components 172 may be of silicon or othermaterials, while some electro-optical components 172 may be fabricatedpartially or predominantly of organic compounds. They may be inflexibleand attached on the identification appliance. Alternatively, they may beflexible and attached to or printed on the identification band. Theelectronic, electro-optical and visual components may be printed orotherwise deposited on the identification appliance's elongate structure(e.g., 91 in FIG. 2, 10 in FIG. 12).

FIG. 24 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification appliance, such as anidentification band, with an optical sensor 198. The exampleidentification appliance has an elongate band 188, a band fastener 190,a mating band fastener 192 that mates with the band fastener 190,printed information 194, and silicon and/or printed circuitry components196 that may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited in or on theelongate band 188. The circuit 196 may control the optical sensor 198.For example, the optical sensor 198 may perform optical communicationwith an external or internal device. The optical sensor 198 may comprisea light detector such as a photodetector, or a charge coupled device tocapture images of, for example, a person's face, fingerprint, iris, orretina.

FIG. 25 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, witha flexible keypad 206. The example identification appliance has anelongate band 200, a band fastener 202, a mating band fastener 204 thatmates with the band fastener 202, silicon and/or printed circuitrycomponents 208 that maybe embedded or printed or otherwise deposited inor on the elongate band 200, and an antenna 210. The circuit 208 maycontrol the keypad 206. Of course, the keypad 206 may comprise a fulltypewriter keyboard, a partial keyboard, a single key, or a plurality ofcustom function keys. The keypad 206 permits users to input data intothe circuit 208 or an optional data storage device. The keypad may bebased on symbolic or alpha-numeric data.

FIGS. 26A and 26B are representative illustrations of an example methodof embedding silicon and/or printed circuitry, or other components, inan identification appliance such as an identification band. A toplaminate 212 and a bottom laminate 214 may be adhered to each other. Asshown by reference numeral 218, silicon and/or printed circuitry 216 andother components may be formed or printed on either the top or bottomlaminates 212, 214, or both laminates, and additional components may besandwiched between the top and bottom laminates 212, 214. Amanufacturing assembly is illustrated in FIG. 26B. The bottom laminatematerial 214 is fed at 220 and a machine 224 adheres circuitry 216 andother components to the bottom laminate 214. The top laminate material214 is fed at reference numeral 222 and joined to the bottom laminate218 by laminating machine 226. A cutting device 228 separates the joinedmaterial into separate identification appliances. Of course, in any ofthe manufacturing processes described in this disclosure, othermanufacturing steps known to those of skill in the art of makingidentification appliances may be used as desired.

FIGS. 27A and 27B are representative illustrations of an example methodof implementing printed circuitry in an identification appliance such asan identification band. The body material is fed at 230 and a machine232 prints or deposits circuitry and other components onto the bodymaterial. The machine may be an ink jet printing device, stencil, or anyother method of imprinting inks or materials on a substrate. A cuttingdevice 234 separates the body material into separate identificationappliances. In FIG. 27B, a bottom laminate material is fed at 238 and amachine 236 prints or otherwise deposits circuitry and other componentsonto the bottom laminate. The top laminate material is fed at referencenumeral 240 and joined to the bottom laminate by laminating machine 242.A cutting device 244 separates the joined material into separateidentification appliances. Of course, other manufacturing processesknown to those of skill in the art of making identification appliancesmay also be used as desired.

FIG. 28 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance, such as an identification band, witha flexible battery or power source 258. In this particular example, theidentification appliance has an elongate band formed out of a toplaminate 246 and a bottom laminate 248. A band fastener 252 mates withanother band fastener 256. Silicon and/or printed circuitry components260 also may be embedded or printed or otherwise deposited in or betweenthe laminated band. The flexible battery 258 powers the circuit 260 aswell as any other component on the identification appliance requiringpower. Such other components may include, for example, an electronicdata storage device or memory, biometric sensor, acoustic sensor,chemical sensor, optical sensor, flexible keypad and display.Preferably, the battery 258 is thin and flexible. The battery 258 mayprovide primary or auxiliary power for electronic circuits. Optionally,the battery 258 may include a photovoltaic component so that the batteryis charged or recharged by ambient light; the photovoltaic cells andrecharging circuitry can be formed out of inorganic or organicmaterials. The battery 258 may be replaceable or not. The battery 258may be a flexible polymer battery imprinted on or constructed on theidentification appliance substrate, as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,973,598. The battery 258 may be activated when the identificationappliance is fastened to its object, or activated by the reception of anoptical signal or an electromagnetic signal. An identification appliancewith a battery 258 may be activated upon proper authorization or thestart of service.

FIG. 29 is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an improved identification appliance, such as an identification band,with a “button” style battery 269. The example identification appliancehas an elongate band 261, a band fastener 262, a mating band fastener263 that mates with the band fastener 262, silicon and/or printedcircuitry components 264 that may be embedded or printed or otherwisedeposited in or on the elongate band 261, and printed information 265.The battery 269 is a button-style battery in this example embodiment.The battery 269 powers the circuit 264 as well as any other component onthe identification appliance requiring power. Such other components mayinclude, for example, an electronic data storage device or memory,biometric sensor, acoustic sensor, chemical sensor, optical sensor,flexible keypad and display. Preferably, the battery 269 is small andthin. The battery 269 may provide primary or auxiliary power forelectronic circuits. The battery 269 is replaceable.

Any of the identification appliance embodiments described in thisdisclosure may be completely disposable, partially disposable, orreusuable. The disposable identification appliance may incorporate anyof the functions described in this disclosure, where the fastening meansis not re-usable and the functionality of the identification applianceis destroyed after its use. The identification appliance may have adisposable section (for example, the band) and a re-usable section (forexample, the circuit). The identification appliance also may be madewater resistant, waterproof, and/or resistant to certain solvents orchemicals used in the area of its application. If disposable, the bandor body is preferably made of an inexpensive material such as paper,plastic, or other laminate material. For example, FIG. 30 is arepresentative illustration of an example embodiment of an improvedidentification appliance, such as an identification band, that ispartially disposable. An example of a partially disposableidentification band is described in U.S. patent application Ser. No.09/033,832, which is titled “Identification Device Having ReusableTransponder” and is published as PCT US98/04098. The identificationappliance comprises a disposable band 284 and a non-disposable “hub” 282of circuitry, sensors and other circuit components. The band 284 isfastened by inserting one end 288 of the band to the non-disposable hub282, which attachment is made more secure by a fastener 286, and byinserting the other end 290 of the band to the non-disposable hub 282,which attachment is made more secure by a fastener 286. When desired,the disposable band 284 may be unfastened from the non-disposable hub282 and disposed. A replacement band may be fastened to thenon-disposable hub 282. If the replacement band is for a different user,any data stored in the non-disposable hub 282 may be erased and updated.

FIG. 31 is a representative illustration of yet another exampleembodiment of an improved identification-appliance that is partiallydisposable. . The identification appliance comprises a disposableflexible plastic or rubber tube 292, which acts as a band and houses aninsertable and reusable circuit portion 294. The circuit portion 294 mayinclude any kind of circuits such as communication circuitry andbiometric circuitry.

FIG. 32 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved identification appliance that is reusable. This exampleidentification appliance comprises a non-disposable band 298, which maybe decorative to resemble jewelry or a watch. In or on the band 298 isplaced non-disposable circuitry, sensors and components 296. An optionallock mechanism 300 may be provided to secure the identificationappliance to a wearer and to allow the wearer to adjust its size. Thelock mechanism may be activated or inactivated either by the wearer oralternatively by the person or agency responsible for providing thesecurity function performed by the identification appliance. The lockingmay be mechanical or electromechanical. The locking or un-lockingfunction may be performed by remote communication or control, ifdesired.

FIGS. 33A, 33B and 33C are representative illustrations of exampleembodiments of a biometric reader/verifier of identification appliances.Referring to FIG. 33A, a biometric sensor 302 is mounted on a grip 306.The biometric sensor 302 may be any of the biometric sensors known tothose of skill in the art of biometrics and those described in thisdisclosure. An interrogator 308 communicates, such as by radiofrequency, to the identification appliance in order to obtain thebiometric data stored in the appliance. An optional indicator or alarmsystem 304 may provide an audible, visible, or other perceptibleindication as to, for example, whether the biometric data obtained bythe biometric reader/verifier matches the biometric data stored in anidentification appliance. Turning to FIG. 33B, the grip 306 may have abiometric sensor 302 and indicator 304 built into the handle of thegrip. FIG. 33C is a representative illustration of a wearer of anidentification appliance using an example embodiment of areader/verifier. The user grasps the grip 306, thereby positioning theidentification appliance 307 within range of the interrogator 308. Theinterrogator 308 communicates, such as by radio frequency, with theidentification appliance 307 in order to obtain the biometric dataand/or other data stored in the appliance.

FIGS. 34A, 34B and 34C are representative illustrations of exampleapplications of a biometric identification appliance reader/verifier. Inparticular, FIG. 534A is a representative illustration of an exampleembodiment of a biometric turnstile system. The turnstile system allowsauthorized personnel to pass between the turnstile arm 328 and a post319. Device 318 may emit beams 322 that are used to detect whetheranyone is at the turnstile arm, or trying to go under the turnstile arm328. The device 318 may include a reader/verifier of identificationappliances. When a person wearing an identification appliance approachesthe turnstile arm 328, the beams 322 detect the person and readidentifying information, such as biometric data, from the identificationappliance. If the identifying information gives the wearer the privilegeor authority to pass, the turnstile arm 328 may be rotated out of theway to permit the wearer to pass. If, however, the wearer lacks theprivilege to pass, an optional visible alarm system 320 and/or audiblealarm system 332 may indicate that an unauthorized person is present.

FIG. 34B is a representative illustration of the details of analternative biometric turnstile arm that may be used in FIG. 34A. Theturnstile arm comprises a biometric sensor 312, a grip 314 with anoptional built in biometric sensor and an interrogator 316. Theturnstile arm has an axis 330 of rotation. The biometric sensor 312 maybe any of the biometric sensors known to those of skill in the art ofbiometrics and those described in this disclosure. The interrogator 316communicates, such as by radio frequency, to the identificationappliance in order to obtain identifying biometric data stored in theappliance. An optional indicator or alarm system may provide an audible,visible, or other perceptible indication as to, for example, whether thebiometric data obtained by the biometric sensor 312 matches the storedbiometric data obtained from the identification appliance.

FIG. 34C is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an biometric gate. A turnstile 326 prevents people from entering arestricted area, such as a secure area or an amusement park. Theturnstile includes a curved interrogator 324, which in the alternative,may have any suitable shape for reading a person's identificationappliance. In the example illustrated in FIG. 34C, a person wanting togain access inserts his identification appliance, such as anidentification wristband, into the vicinity of the interrogator 324. Theinterrogator 324 communicates, such as by radio frequency, to theidentification appliance in order to obtain identifying biometric datastored in the appliance. The turnstile may include an biometric sensor325 that obtains the person's biometric data (e.g., fingerprint, iris,retina scan). The interrogator 324 compares the person's biometric datafrom the biometric sensor 325 and compares the data to the biometricdata obtained from the identification appliance. An optional indicatoror alarm system may provide an audible, visible, or other perceptibleindication as to whether there is a match or non-match of biometricdata.

FIG. 35 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved secure identification appliance, such as an identificationband, with electronic tamper detection. The example identificationappliance has an elongate body 342, a first patch of a plurality ofconductive contacts 344, a second patch of a plurality of conductivecontacts 346 and a securing device 347. When the securing device 347 isclosed (to fasten the identification appliance to a wearer), a physicaland electrical contact is formed between contacts 344 and 346. Thegroups of contacts 344, 346 may be formed in patterns such that when theidentification appliance is secured by device 347, the resulting patternof closed electrical contacts may be random or unpredictable. Circuitry348 that may be embedded, printed, deposited, or otherwise placed in oron the band 342 monitors whether the electrical contact is open orclosed. If a closed electrical contact is opened, the circuit 348determines that the identification appliance has been tampered with orremoved. Optionally, the identification appliance may have an indicatorto indicate the status of the identification appliance.

FIG. 36 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of animproved secure identification appliance, such as an identificationband, with electronic tamper detection using conductive ornon-conductive glue. The example identification appliance comprises anelongate body 358, a first patch of a plurality of conductive contacts360, and a second patch of a plurality of contacts 362 that mates withthe first patch of contacts 360 to form a closed electrical circuit whenthe band 358 is closed. Circuitry 364, which may be embedded, printed,deposited, or otherwise placed in or on the band 358 monitors whetherthe electrical circuits are open or closed. An adhesive gel 366 may beused to close or fasten the ends of the band 358 together. The adhesive366 may be conductive or nonconductive. As with the embodiment of FIG.35, the groups of contacts may be closed in a random or unpredictablepattern.

FIG. 37 is a representative illustration of an example embodiment of anairport security system 500 that uses an improved secure identificationappliance, such as an identification band. A user or passenger 502obtains an identification appliance 504, such as a wristband, from anauthorized person or agency, such as the ticket counter. When thepassenger 502 checks in baggage at the ticket counter or curbsidecheck-in 506, an identification band (“bag band”) 508 is put on thebaggage. The bag band 508 identifies the baggage and its owner so thatwhen the passenger 502 goes to the baggage claim 510 to claim thebaggage, corresponding data in the bag band 508 and passenger'sidentification appliance 504 must match. One way to determine whetherthere is a match is to use a band reader 512. The band reader 512 readsboth the bag band 508 and passenger's identification appliance 504 anddetermines whether there is a match and optionally, whether there is anyevidence of tampering of either. When the passenger 502 goes to theairline gate terminal 514, there may be another optional band reader toverify the identity of the passenger 502. Likewise, when the passenger502 is about to board the aircraft 516, another optional band reader mayverify the identity of the passenger 502 again. Throughout the airport,terminal, gates, restaurants, baggage areas and restrooms, there may besensors 518 that detect and read any identification appliances 504 intheir vicinity. A central airport system 520 may be coupled to thesensors 518 and band readers 512 so that the system 520 can track thewhereabouts of each passenger.

FIG. 38 is a representative illustration of another example embodimentof an airport security system 500 that uses an improved secureidentification appliance, such as an identification band. FIG. 38illustrates an example checkin, departure and arrival process based onthe airport security system 500. The left side of FIG. 38 depicts apassenger 502 and his baggage 505 prior to check-in and departure. Themiddle section shows the check-in and departure process. The right sideof FIG. 38 illustrates the arrival process. Again, the passenger 502obtains an identification appliance 504, such as a wristband, from anauthorized person or agency, at the ticket counter or curbside checkin.When the passenger 502 checks in baggage 505 at the ticket counter orcurbside check-in, a bag band machine 507 creates a bag band 508 for thebaggage 505 and an identification band 504 for the passenger 502.Alternatively, the bag band machine 507 may be a bag band reader. Asbefore, the bag band 508 identifies the baggage and its owner. A baggagerouting system 522 uses the bag bands to identify baggage and otherinformation necessary to route the baggage to its destination. Optionalband readers 512 and sensors 518 may be placed at the gate 514, entry toor exit from the airplane 516, baggage claim 510 and any other area inthe airport facility. The central airport system 520 may be coupled tothe sensors 518 and band readers 512 so that the system 520 can trackthe whereabouts of each passenger as well as baggage. The centralairport system 520 may be connected, if desired, to an internationalairport computer network 524 so that information is shared with otherairports. The shared information may include an airport's informationabout passengers at the airport as well as international databases aboutknown terrorists, fingerprints, etc. Thus, if airports detect that agroup of known terrorists have entered into various airports at similartimes, this fact can be made available to the proper authorities such asthe FBI. As another example, if an airport detects the presence ofseveral known terrorists in the airport, the airport can enter asecurity mode, delay flights alert the appropriate authorities, andtrack the terrorists. Upon arrival, the passenger 502 leaves theairplane and enters the gate 514. Again, a band reader 512 or sensor 518may detect and ascertain the identity of the passenger 502 as he walksto the baggage claim 510. When the passenger 502 goes to the baggageclaim 510 to claim his baggage 505, the bag band 508 and passenger'sidentification appliance 504 must match. A band reader 512 may be usedto read the bag band 508 and the identification band 504. Alternatively,if bag band machine 507 is adapted to read bag bands, the bag bandreader reads the bag band 508 and another band reader reads theidentification band 504. The identification band 504 and bag band 508may be deactivated upon completion of the travel event.

Any of the identification appliance embodiments may be used also byimmigration officials. There are situations in which the security of aremotely readable identification appliance and data carrier require thatthe identification appliance can only be secured to the person by anauthorized person or agency, and once secured to the person beingidentified, cannot be removed or its data used except by an authorizedparty or agency. Accordingly, the improved identification appliance canbe supplied by U.S. Embassies or corresponding agencies throughout theworld, which identification appliance can be encoded or encrypted withthe identification and/or biometric features of the lawful bearer. Theimmigration authorities can read the identification appliances at theport of entry or authorized check points and compare the informationretrieved from the identification appliances to information stored intheir database and to biometric information obtained at the presentlocation.

The identification appliance can be in the form of a single or multiple,detachable RFID/biometric labels that could then be detached and used tobe affixed to paperwork, including a place in the Passport near the Visaseal, and that could be read and removed upon departure in order toupdate and close open files on visitors to the U.S., such as temporaryworkers, students, business visas and tourists. With regard to theimmigration Green Cards issued to lawfully admitted residents, theidentification appliance can be in the form of a temporaryRFID/biometrics technology based label or card that identifies thebearer between the time of entry or admission to the U.S., and themailing of the permanent card to the legal alien.

An additional use for the identification appliance would be to identifyapplicants for driver's licenses throughout the country. Driver'slicenses are restricted to applicants who have proper and lawfulidentification that proves either proper citizenship or legal residentstatus. Exceptions are people with business visas on a temporary stay,some temporary working visas and perhaps people under student visas. Anidentification appliance with biometrics can be used to prove a person'sidentity and right to apply for a driver's license.

In any of the embodiments, the identification appliance may includeoptional structures and features, such as any of the features describedbelow. For example, the communication circuit may perform acommunication function of any type and frequency, can communicatepassively such as a transponder and/or actively by initiatingcommunications, and can use low or high frequencies. The identificationappliance may operate in the low frequency, high frequency, UHF, SHF, ormicrowave radio bands.

The identification appliance may be attached to an article in which acircuit in the identification appliance performs an optional electronicarticle surveillance (EAS) function, for example, to prevent the theftof the article. The EAS function does not transmit an identificationcode, but enables a reader to detect if the identification appliance isnear the reader, for example, at the entry or exit to a retail store orbuilding.

The identification appliance may provide its location to another device,for example, over a small area (e.g., a room or a building) or a largearea (e.g., countrywide or worldwide). Such location information may beprovided with a varying degree of accuracy such as with a less than 1meter uncertainty to a greater than 1 kilometer uncertainty. Thelocation function may be accomplished by calculations derived by theidentification appliance of signals received by it (such as from aGlobal Positioning System or a Local Positioning System), or thelocation may be derived externally to the identification band, such asby a matrix of RF receivers responding to the strength or timing ofreception of signals received from the identification band.

Optionally, the identification appliance may receive a command from awireless communication system or network. The wireless communicationsystem may transmit the command to a single identification appliances,to all identification appliances within range, or to a subset ofidentification appliances. The command may be any kind of command. Thecommand can change any operating characteristic or function of theidentification appliance, or cause the identification appliance toexecute any set of instructions. For instance, the command can changeany human perceptible indicator in the improved identification appliancesuch as the display, light, audible signal generator, vibrator and thelike. As another example, the command may change the frequency at whichinformation is received and/or transmitted between the identificationappliance and an external communication system or network. By changingthe frequency of transmission or reception, the identification appliancecan reduce interference with other identification appliances in the areawhen the identification appliance is communicating wirelessly with anexternal device. As yet another example, the command may change theability of the identification appliance to receive and/or transmit data,the validity of data in the identification appliance, a password tocommunicate with the identification appliance, the level or type ofencryption of data, the expiration of the identification appliance(e.g., the identification appliance is deemed invalid after it expires),a characteristic in the communications protocol (e.g., baud rate orspeed of communications, error correction format, communication headerformat) so that the identification appliance can be able to communicatewith different types of communication networks, and virtually any otheroperating characteristic or function. The command may also optionallygive privileges to the improved identification appliance that the wearerof the identification appliance did not have previously. For example, awireless communication network may permit the wearer of an improvedidentification appliance to enter a restricted area, where thepermission is time-sensitive and time-limited (e.g., the permissionbegins at a certain time and expires at a certain time).

In the foregoing specification, the invention has been described withreference to specific embodiments thereof. It will, however, be evidentthat various modifications and changes may be made thereto withoutdeparting from the broader spirit and scope of the invention. Forexample, the reader is to understand that the specific ordering andcombination of process actions shown in the process flow diagramsdescribed herein is merely illustrative, and the invention can beperformed using different or additional process actions, or a differentcombination or ordering of process actions. As another example, eachfeature of one embodiment can be mixed and matched with other featuresshown in other embodiments. Features and processes known to those ofordinary skill in the art of identification appliances may similarly beincorporated as desired. Additionally and obviously, features may beadded or subtracted as desired. Accordingly, the invention is not to berestricted except in light of the attached claims and their equivalents.

1. An identification appliance adapted to provide information about aperson, the identification appliance comprising: a programmable datastorage device to receive and store identification information forpositively identifying a person; a structure adapted to be worn by orattached to the person, said structure carrying said data storagedevice; a fastener disposed in or on the structure, the fastener beingadapted to attach the structure to the person; a circuit disposed in oron the structure and electrically coupled to the fastener, a closing ofthe fastener enables a function of the circuit, and said circuit beingadapted to alter, erase, or damage the identification information if thecircuit determines that the identification appliance has been tamperedwith; and a biometric sensor coupled to the circuit and disposed in oron the structure, the biometric sensor being adapted to receivebiometric information about the person from a source external to theidentification appliance and to communicate the biometric information tothe data storage device; wherein the biometric sensor includes alight-emitting device adapted to emit light towards the person and alight-sensing device adapted to measure light reflection off the personto obtain a fingerprint charcteristic.
 2. The identification applianceof claim 1 wherein the circuit function includes a communication of theinformation about the person external to the identification appliance.3. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein the circuit functionincludes a supply of power to the circuit.
 4. The identificationappliance of claim 1 wherein the circuit function includes an enablementof an antenna.
 5. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein thecircuit function includes a tuning of an antenna.
 6. The identificationappliance of claim 1 wherein the circuit function includes changing alogic state input to the circuit.
 7. The identification appliance ofclaim 1 wherein the structure is elongate and flexible.
 8. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 wherein the circuit includes a radiofrequency identification circuit, the radio frequency identificationcircuit adapted to transmit the information by radio frequencycommunication to an external device.
 9. The identification appliance ofclaim 1 wherein the fastener comprises a first contact and a secondcontact and the circuit determines whether the first and second contactsare in communication with each other.
 10. The identification applianceof claim 1 further comprising an electrical conductor which, when thefastener is closed, couples the fastener to the circuit.
 11. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 wherein the information includesbiometric data.
 12. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein theinformation includes an image of a feature of the person.
 13. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 wherein the information includeoptical character recognizable data.
 14. The identification appliance ofclaim 1 wherein the identification appliance is a wristband, headband,armband, ankleband, neckband, or legband.
 15. The identificationappliance of claim 1 wherein the identification appliance is a patch orcard.
 16. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein at least acircuit component of the circuit is formed substantially of at least oneorganic material.
 17. The identification appliance of claim 1 furthercomprising a power source coupled to supply power to the circuit, thepower source being formed at least partially of an organic material. 18.The identification appliance of claim 1 further comprising a diodewithin the circuit, the diode comprising an organic material.
 19. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 wherein said data storage device isformed substantially of at least one organic material.
 20. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 further comprising a microstripantenna coupled to the circuit, the antenna being adapted to transmitthe information to a device external to the identification appliance.21. The identification appliance of claim 1 further comprising an audioor visual display coupled to the circuit.
 22. The identificationappliance of claim 1 wherein the information includes medical data aboutthe person.
 23. The identification appliance of claim 1 furthercomprising an indicator, the indicator adapted to indicate whether theidentification appliance has been tampered with.
 24. The identificationappliance of claim 1 further comprising an indicator, the indicatoradapted to indicate whether the fastener is closed.
 25. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 wherein the biometric informationincludes a retina, fingerprint, iris, voice, or genetic characteristicof the person.
 26. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein thebiometric information includes an image of the person.
 27. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 wherein the biometric informationinclude optical character recognizable data.
 28. The identificationappliance of claim 1 wherein the biometric sensor includes alight-emitting device adapted to emit light towards the person and alight-sensing device adapted to measure light reflection off the personto obtain a retinal characteristic.
 29. The identification appliance ofclaim 1 wherein the biometric sensor is formed of at least one organicmaterial.
 30. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein the sensorincludes an acoustic sensor adapted to receive acoustic informationabout the person.
 31. The identification appliance of claim 30 whereinthe acoustic sensor is formed substantially of at least one organicmaterial.
 32. The identification appliance of claim 1 wherein the sensorincludes an optical sensor adapted to receive information bout theperson optically.
 33. The identification appliance of claim 32 whereinthe optical sensor is formed of at least one organic material.
 34. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 wherein the sensor includes achemical sensor adapted to receive the information about the personchemically.
 35. The identification appliance of claim 34 wherein thechemical sensor is adapted to assay the biochemical content of theperson's scent, blood, or breath.
 36. The identification appliance ofclaim 1 wherein the sensor includes a humidity sensor adapted to receiveinformation about the humidity.
 37. The identification appliance ofclaim 1 wherein the sensor includes a heat sensor adapted to receivetemperature information.
 38. The identification appliance of claim 1wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor adapted to receivepressure information.
 39. The identification appliance of claim 1wherein the sensor includes an electromagnetic sensor adapted to receiveelectromagnetic energy.
 40. The identification appliance of claim 1wherein the sensor is formed of at least one organic material.
 41. Theidentification appliance of claim 1 further comprising a keypad coupledto the data storage device, the keypad adapted to input information intothe data storage device.
 42. The identification appliance of claim 1further comprising an indicator, the indicator adapted to indicatewhether the identification appliance has been tampered with.
 43. Theidentification appliance of claim 42 wherein said indicator is adaptedto release a substance perceptible to an animal.
 44. The identificationappliance of claim 42 wherein said indicator is adapted to release asubstance perceptible to a machine.
 45. An identification applianceadapted to provide information about a person, the identificationappliance comprising: a programmable data storage device to receive andstore identification information for positively identifying a person; astructure adapted to be worn by or attached to the person, saidstructure carrying said data storage device; a fastener disposed in oron the structure the fastener being adapted to attach the structure tothe person; a circuit disposed in or on the structure and electricallycoupled to the fastener, a closing of the fastener enables a function ofthe circuit, and said circuit being adapted to alter, erase, or damagethe idenification information if the circuit determines that theidentification appliance has been tampered with; and a biometric sensorcoupled to the ciruit and disposed in or on the structure, the biometricsensor being adapted to receive biometric information about the personfrom a source external to the identification appliance and tocommunicate the biometric informatin to the data storage device; whereinthe sensor includes an acoustic sensor adapted to receive acousticinformation about the person; and wherein the acoustic sensor is adaptedto receive speech information from the person and the circuit is adaptedto process the speech information.
 46. The identification appliance ofclaim 45 wherein the circuit is adapted to derive a unique identifyinginformation about the person from the speech information.
 47. Theidentification appliance of claim 45 wherein the circuit includes anaudio generation circuit adapted to output synthesized speech.
 48. Anidentification appliance adapted to provide information about a person,the identification appliance comprising: a programmable data storagedevice to receive and store identification information for positivelyidentifying a person; a structure adapted to be worn by or attached tothe person, said structure carrying said data storage device; a fastenerdisposed in or on the structure, the fastener being adapted to attachthe structure to the person; and a circuit disposed in or on thestructure and electrically coupled to the fastener, a closing of thefastener enables a function of the circuit, and said circuit beingadapted to alter, erase, or damage the identification information if thecircuit determines that the identificaitoin appliance has been tamperedwith; and a biometric sensor coupled to the circuit and disposed in oron the structure, the biometric sensor being adated to receiveboiometric information about the person from a source external to theidentification appliance and to communicate the biometric information tothe data storage device; wherein the sensor includes an acoustic sensoradapted to receive acoustic information about the persons; and whereinthe acoustic sensor comprises a piezoelectric transducer.
 49. Anidentification appliance adapted to provide informatin about a person,the identification appliance comprising; a programmable data storagedevice to receive and store identification information for positvelyidentifying a person; a structure adapted to be worn by or attached tothe person, said structure carrying said data storage device; a fastenerdisposed in or on the structure, the fastener being adapted to attachthe structure to the person; and a circuit disposed in or on thestructure and electrically coupled to the fastener, a closing of thefastener enables a function of the circuit, and said circuit beingadapted to alter, erase, or damage the identification information if thecircuit determines that the identification appliance has been tamperedwith; and a biometric sensor coupled to the circuit and disposed in oron the structure, the biometric sensor being adapted to receivebiometric informatin about the person from a source external to theidentification appliance and to communicate the biometric informatin tothe data storage device; wherein the sensor includes an optical sensoradapted to receive information about the person optically; and whereinthe optical sensor comprises a light detector adapted to capture imagesof the person's face, fingerprint, iris, or retina.
 50. Theidentification appliance of claim 49 wherein the optical sensor includesa charge coupled device.
 51. The identification appliance of claim 49wherein the optical sensor includes a photodetector.
 52. Anidentification appliance adapted to provide information about a person,the identification appliance comprising: a programmable data storagedevice to receive and store identification information for positivelyidentifying a person; a structure adapted to be worn by or attached tothe person, said structure carrying said data storage device; a fastenerdisposed in or on the structure, the fastener being adapted to attachthe structure to the person: a circuit disposed in or on the structureand electrically coupled to the fastener, a closing of the fastenerenables a function of the circuit, and said circuit being adapted toalter, erase, or damage the identification information if the circuitdetermines that the identification appliance has been tampered with; abiometric sensor coupled to the circuit and disposed in or on thesturcture, the biometric sensor being adapted to receive biometricinformatin about the person from a source external to the identificationappliance and to communiciate the biometric information to the datastorage device; and an idicator adpated to indicate whether theidentification appliance has been tampered with; wherein the indicatorcomprises an ink or dye, the indicator adapted to release the ink or dyewhen the circuit detects tampering with the identification appliance.53. An identification appliance adapted to provide information about aperson, the identification appliance comprising: a programmable datastorage device to receive and store identification information forpositively identifying a person; a structure adapted to be worn by orattached to the person, said structure carrying said data storagedevice; a fastener disposed in or on the structure, the fastener beingadapted to attach the structure to the person; a circuit disposed in oron the structure and electrically coupled to the fastener, a closing ofthe fastener enables a function of the circuit, and said circuit beingadapted to alter, erase, or damage the identification information if thecircuit determines that the identification appliance has been tamperedwith; and-an indicator adapted to indicate whether the identificationappliance has been tampered with, the indicator comprising an ink ordye, the indicator adapted to release the ink or dye when the circuitdetects tampering with the identification appliance; and a biometricsensor coupled to the circuit and disposed in or on the structrure, thebiometric sensor being adapted to receive biometric information aboutthe person from a source external to the identification appliance and tocommunicate the biometric information to the data storage device;wherein the biometric sensor includes a light-emitting device adapted toemit light towards the person and a light-sensing device adapted tomeasure light reflection off the person to obtain a retinalcharacteristic.
 54. The identification appliance of claim 53 whereinsaid indicator is adapted to release a substance perceptible to ananimal.
 55. The identification appliance of claim 53 wherein saidindicator is adapted to release a substance perceptible to a machine.56. The identification appliance of claim 53 wherein the circuitfunction includes a communication of the information about the personexternal to the identification appliance.
 57. The identificationappliance of claim 53 wherein the circuit function includes a supply ofpower to the circuit.
 58. The identification appliance of claim 53wherein the circuit function includes an enablement of an antenna. 59.The identification appliance of claim 53 wherein the circuit functionincludes a tuning of an antenna.
 60. The identification appliance ofclaim 53 wherein the circuit function includes changing a logic stateinput to the circuit.
 61. The identification appliance of claim 53wherein the structure is elongate and flexible.
 62. The identificationappliance of claim 53 wherein the circuit includes a radio frequencyidentification circuit, the radio frequency identification circuitadapted to transmit the information by radio frequency communication toan external device.
 63. The identification appliance of claim 53 whereinthe fastener comprises a first contact and a second contact and thecircuit determines whether the first and second contacts are incommunication with each other.
 64. The identification appliance of claim53 further comprising an electrical conductor which, when the fasteneris closed, couples the fastener to the circuit.
 65. The identificationappliance of claim 53 wherein the information includes biometric data.66. The identification appliance of claim 53 wherein the informationincludes an image of a feature of the person.
 67. The identificationappliance of claim 53 wherein the information include optical characterrecognizable data.
 68. The identification appliance of claim 53 whereinthe identification appliance is a wristband, headband, armband,ankleband, neckband, or legband.
 69. The identification appliance ofclaim 53 wherein the identification appliance is a patch or card. 70.The identification appliance of claim 53 wherein at least a circuitcomponent of the circuit is formed substantially of at least one organicmaterial.
 71. The identification appliance of claim 53 furthercomprising a power source coupled to supply power to the circuit, thepower source being formed at least partially of an organic material. 72.The identification appliance of claim 53 further comprising a diodewithin the circuit, the diode comprising an organic material.
 73. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein said data storage device isformed substantially of at least one organic material.
 74. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 further comprising a microstripantenna coupled to the circuit, the antenna being adapted to transmitthe information to a device external to the identification appliance.75. The identification appliance of claim 53 further comprising an audioor visual display coupled to the circuit.
 76. The identificationappliance of claim 53 wherein the information includes medical dataabout the person.
 77. The identification appliance of claim 53 furthercomprising an indicator, the indicator adapted to indicate whether theidentification appliance has been tampered with.
 78. The identificationappliance of claim 53 further comprising an indicator, the indicatoradapted to indicate whether the fastener is closed.
 79. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein the biometric informationincludes a retina, fingerprint, iris, voice, or genetic characteristicof the person.
 80. The identification appliance of claim 53 wherein thebiometric information includes an image of the person.
 81. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein the biometric informationinclude optical character recognizable data.
 82. The identificationappliance of claim 53 wherein the biometric sensor includes alight-emitting device adapted to emit light towards the person and alight-sensing device adapted to measure light reflection off the personto obtain a fingerprint characteristic.
 83. The identification applianceof claim 53 wherein the biometric sensor is formed of at least oneorganic material.
 84. The identification appliance of claim 53 whereinthe sensor includes an acoustic sensor adapted to receive acousticinformation about the person.
 85. The identification appliance of claim84 wherein the acoustic sensor comprises a piezoelectric transducer. 86.The identification appliance of claim 84 wherein the acoustic sensor isformed substantially of at least one organic material.
 87. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein the sensor includes anoptical sensor adapted to receive information about the personoptically.
 88. The identification appliance of claim 87 wherein theoptical sensor is formed of at least one organic material.
 89. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 wherein the sensor includes achemical sensor adapted to receive the information about the personchemically.
 90. The identification appliance of claim 89 wherein thechemical sensor is adapted to assay the biochemical content of theperson's scent, blood, or breath.
 91. The identification appliance ofclaim 53 wherein the sensor includes a humidity sensor adapted toreceive information about the humidity.
 92. The identification applianceof claim 53 wherein the sensor includes a heat sensor adapted to receivetemperature information.
 93. The identification appliance of claim 53wherein the sensor includes a pressure sensor adapted to receivepressure information.
 94. The identification appliance of claim 53wherein the sensor includes an electromagnetic sensor adapted to receiveelectromagnetic energy.
 95. The identification appliance of claim 53wherein the sensor is formed of at least one organic material.
 96. Theidentification appliance of claim 53 further comprising a keypad coupledto the data storage device, the keypad adapted to input information intothe data storage device.
 97. An identification appliance adapted toprovide information about a person, the identification appliancecomprising: a programmable data storage device to receive and storeidentification information for positively identifying a person; astructure adapted to worn by or attached to the person, said structurecarrying said data storage device; a fastener dispossed in or on thestructure, the fastener being adapted to attach the structure to theperson; a circuit disposed in or on the structure and electricallycoupled to the fastener, aclosing of the fastener enables a function ofthe circuit, and said circuit being adapted to after, erase, or damagethe identification information if the circuit determines that theidntification appliance has been tampered with; and indicator adapted toindicate whether the identification appliance has been tampered with,the indicator comprising an ink or dye, the indicator adapted to releasethe ink or dye when the circuit detects tampering with theidentification appliance; a biometric sensor coupled to the circuit anddisposed in or on the structure, the boimetric sensor being adapted toreceive biometric informatio about the person from a source external tothe identification appliance and to communicate the biometricinformation to the data storage device; wherein the sensor includes anacoustic sensor adapted to receive acoustic information about theperson; and wherein the acoustic sensor is adapted to receive speechinformation from the person and the circuit is adapted to process thespeech information.
 98. The identification appliance of claim 97 whereinthe circuit is adapted to derive a unique identifying information aboutthe person from the speech information.
 99. The identification applianceof claim 97 wherein the circuit includes an audio generation circuitadapted to output synthesized speech.
 100. An identification applianceadapted to provide information about a person, the identificationappliance comprising: a programmable data storage devcie to receive andstore identification information for positively identifying a person; astructure adapted to be worn by or attached to the person, saidstructure carrying said data storage device; a fastener disposed in oron the structure, the fastener being adapted to attach the structure tothe person; a circuit dsiposed in or on the structure and electricallycoupled to the fastener, a closing of the fastener enables a function ofthe circuit and said circuit being adapted to alter, erase, or damagethe identification information if the circuit determnes that theidentification apliance has been tampered with; an indicator adapted toindicate whether the identification appliance has been tampered with,the indicator comprising an ink or dye, the indicator adapted to releasethe ink or dye when the circuit detects tampering with theidentification apliance; a biometric sensor coupled to the circuit anddisposed in or on the structure, the biometric sensor being adapted toreceive biometric information about the person from a source external tothe identification appliance and to communicate the biometricinformation to the data storage device; wherein the sensor includes anoptical sensor adapted to receive information about the personoptically; and wherein the optical sensor comprises a light detectoradapted to capture images of the person's face, fingerprint, iris, orretina.
 101. The identification appliance of claim 100 wherein theoptical sensor includes a charge coupled device.
 102. The identificationappliance of claim 100 wherein the optical sensor includes aphotodetector.
 103. An identification appliance adapted to provideinformation about a person, the identification appliance comprising: aprogrammable data storage device to receive and store identificationinformation for positively identifying a person; a structure adapted tobe worn by or attached to the person, said structure carrying said datastorage device; a fastener disposed in or on the structure, the fastenerbeing adapted to attach the structure to the person; a circuit disposedin or on the structure and electrically coupled to the fastener, aclosing of the fastener enables a function of the circuit, and saidcircuit being adapted to alter, erase, or damage the identificationinformation if the circuit determines that the identification appliancehas been tampered with; and a biometric sensor coupled to the circuitand disposed in or on the structure, the biometric sensor being adaptedto receive biometric information about the person from a source externalto the identification appliance and to communicate the biometricinformation to the data storage device; wherein the biometric sensorincludes a light-emitting device adapted to emit light towards theperson and a light-sensing device adapted to measure light reflectionoff the person to obtain a retinal characteristic.
 104. Anidentification appliance adapted to provide information about a person,the identification appliance comprising: a programmable data storagedevice to receive and store identification information for positivelyidentifying a person; a structure adapted to be worn by or attached tothe person, said structure carrying said data storage device; a fastenerdisposed in or on the structure, the fastener being adapted to attachthe structure to the person; a circuit disposed in or on the structureand electrically coupled to the fastener, a closing of the fastenerenables a function of the circuit, and said circuit being adapted toalter, erase, or damage the identification information if the circuitdetermines that the identification appliance has been tampered with; anindicator adapted to indicate whether the identification appliance hasbeen tampered with, the indicator comprising an ink or dye, theindicator adapted to release the ink or dye when the circuit detectstampering with the identification appliance; and a biometric sensorcoupled to the circuit and disposed in or on the structure, thebiometric sensor being adapted to receive biometric information aboutthe person from a source external to the identification appliance and tocommunicate the biometric information to the data storage device;wherein the biometric sensor includes a light-emitting device adapted toemit light towards the person and a light-sensing device adapted tomeasure light reflection off the person to obtain a fingerprintcharacteristic.
 105. An identification appliance adapted to provideinformation about a person, the identification appliance comprising: aprogrammable data storage device to receive and store identificationinformation for positively identifying a person; a structure adapted tobe worn by or attached to the person, said structure carrying said datastorage device; a fastener disposed in or on the structure, the fastenerbeing adapted to attach the structure to the person; a circuit disposedin or on the structure and electrically coupled to the fastener, aclosing of the fastener enables a function of the circuit, and saidcircuit being adapted to alter, erase, or damage the identificationinformation if the circuit determines that the identification appliancehas been tampered with; an indicator adapted to indicate whether theidentification appliance has been tampered with, the indicatorcomprising an ink or dye, the indicator adapted to release the ink ordye when the circuit detects tampering with the identificationappliance; and a biometric sensor coupled to the circuit and disposed inor on the structure, the biometric sensor being adapted to receivebiometric information about the person from a source external to theidentification appliance and to communicate the biometric information tothe data storage device; wherein the acoustic sensor is adapted toreceive speech information from the person and the circuit is adapted toprocess the speech information; and wherein the acoustic sensorcomprises a piezoelectric transducer.